"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).

Saturday, September 25, 2010

Elizabeth really improved as the day went on. When I posted this morning, Elizabeth was not as responsive as she has been. It could be due to the fact that she didn't sleep as well last night- were not sure. It's also possible that Elizabeth is discouraged. She did make a comment to OT that "[therapy] is taking too long. It's too hard." Either way, by afternoon, Elizabeth was having a better day. Physical Therapy came in to work with her and I'm proud to announce that her head control was significantly better! She's still sitting up with the help of her therapists, but her improved head control is truly an answered prayer!

Elizabeth also ate some ice chips today. This is a great step in the right direction. Her speech path was asking Elizabeth some questions.... mostly yes and no. She asked Elizabeth if she had a dog and she responded "yes." The therapist asked what kind of dog, and she said "a Maltese." We know that Elizabeth has been responding to her family about some things, but we're very excited that she is responding to multiple questions in a row and even being responsive with more than yes and no.

I wanted to share a couple of stories with you tonight. One involves another one of the sweet nurses that is taking care of Elizabeth. Rachel asked the nursing aide if she would mind running to the gift shop on her break and getting her some tweezers. Rachel told her she would give her money and told her to get a coke for herself. Before the nurse could get to Rachel to get the money, she came back with the tweezers and a beautiful bracelet for Elizabeth that said "strength." It was so touching to Rachel and her family and we can't wait to share this sweet story with Elizabeth soon!

When Jacob got ready to leave the hospital for a bit tonight, he told Elizabeth he was going to leave and he wanted her to give him a kiss. Rachel, being the silly big sister said "Yeah! Give him a big wet kiss, Elizabeth. Elizabeth stuck out her tongue as hard as she could and they all laughed so hard. This was funny because this is typically Elizabeth humor and because Speech Path tried to get her to stick her tongue out all day and she wouldn't... but she'll do just about anything for Rachel and Jacob.

We've got some things to PRAISE God for today:

PRAISE. "Thank you Lord for hearing our prayers. Thank you that Elizabeth was more responsive later in the day today and for instilling hope to this family once again. Praise be to YOU Father for answering our prayer for Elizabeth to have more head control!"

PRAISE. "Thank you for allowing Elizabeth's personality to shine through ever so slightly. Thank you for her contagious smile and for the sweet spirit that she has even when she is sick. Thank you for the relief that has been brought to her family. Thank you that they are able to laugh and smile for their beautiful daughter, sister, and girlfriend."

PRAISE. "You are a Holy and Faithful God! Thank you for providing Elizabeth with excellent care and for sweet nurses that have gone the extra mile for Elizabeth and her family."

PRAY. "Lord we pray you would heal Elizabeth physically and mentally. We pray that her personality, memory, consciousness, and brain function would return. We pray that her motor skills would be restored. We pray for her muscle tone and body processes that they would continue to improve."

PRAY. "Father we pray that Elizabeth would be encouraged. Let those around her be mindful that she can hear everything that they are saying and may they fill her room with only sweet words of love and encouragement. Father hold Elizabeth close to your heart and may she be comforted by your presence."

PRAY. "We pray that the fluid on Elizabeth's brain would be absorbed. We pray that the bruises would heal."

PRAY. "We pray for the swallow test and CT Scan that Elizabeth would have next week. We pray that her body would be prepared and able to perform these tests."

PRAY. "Father we lift up Michelle, Bill, Billy, Rachel, and Jacob. Give them comfort. May You give them strength when they are weak."
AMEN.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18
"Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."

10 comments:

Such good news to wake up to this morning. So happy that the family is getting to see glimpses of Elizabeth's personality! How comforting that must be. We're praying many times throughout the day, and my kids pray for Elizabeth each night. Thanks for the encouraging update.

Each day I pray and anxiously await an update on Elizabeth. We're all praying for each day to be a better and better day and encouraging for the family. Rachel, you and Jacob keep your humor and spirits high for that sweet young woman. God answers prayers and provides us the courage we need. Stay strong!

Thank you Lord for answered prayers!!! Thank you, Heather, for this wonderful post that allowed us to see God in action!! I know the hope ('having optimistic prayer expectations') that the family received from seeing Elizabeth stick out her tongue, respond to the speech therapist about her dog, and hold her head up a little more, must have been so encouraging to them as it was to all of us who are constantly praying for her!!! Thank you again for keeping us posted with prayer requests and progress!!!

This post made me so encouraged. Everyone who knows Elizabeth had to smile at her sticking out her tongue like that...so her. Please tell her that Jeff and Bev are praying for her! We have nothing but smiles when we think of this unique and precious young woman!!!

This news just made my day! My kids get so excited to hear her progress. They are also praying specifically for her to sit up, walk, talk, and "play with us"...Elizabeth, keep working hard--we are cheering you and lifting you and your family up to the Lord in prayer all throughout the day. We love you.Micaela

Elizabeth this news really encourages all of us to hear of your amazing personality shining through! I am praying for you constantly and I know you are strong enough to do this. You are an incredible child of God, He is with you every step of the way, as are our prayers! Love you.

I don't know Elizabeth personally but have a lot of "mutual friends" in common. I read this blog everyday to see how she is doing and have made it a point to dedicate prayer for Elizabeth, each & every day. I'm glad to see improvement and a more positive direction in progress for she & the family! My thoughs & prayers are still with you all.

Hello! I am form Princeton Illinois & came across your blog thru someone else's blog. I am praying for Elizabeth! May you continue to watch this miracle unfold & blossom! May you continue to see new & great changes everyday! God Bless! Jamie Pennington